CartFishing Report for Week Ending July 8, 2012
Fishing Report for Week Ending July 8, 2012
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week, especially at the approaches and western end of Juan de Fuca Strait. Halibut fishing was PICKING UP as the currents slowed.
Visit our facebook page to enter our fishing picture contest and see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Port Renfrew – Fishing has been EXCELLENT for both salmon and halibut. Swiftsure Bank has been mostly limits for both salmon and halibut. The salmon on the bank have been into the thirties in size. Closer in, the salmon have been near Logan and Camper creeks. Most of the halibut from the bank are less than thirty lbs but you can get larger ones if you fish them off the humps and reefs closer to the Island.
Sooke – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week with lots of fish around. The salmon have been caught in most locations, but Otter Point to Sherringham Point seems to have produced the most and largest fish. Several springs into the mid 30’s have been caught, as well as lots of smaller ones. Quite a lot hatchery coho and sockeye have been caught as well. The cohos have been up to 7 lbs in size. Sockeyes are not available retention at this time and must be released, just as the wild coho have to be released. We also had a report of a 16 lb Atlantic salmon caught off of Secretary Island. Anchovies and small herring are catching the most fish. Bloody Nose, Glow Green and Purple Haze teaser heads. The best flasher has been the Super Betsey and Gold Fever Hot Spot. The fish will also hit hootchies, especially white ones. Other hootchies and squirts that are good are Purple Haze, Cloverleaf and Glo Below. Cop Car or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was BETTER over the weekend. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Becher Bay – It was PRETTY GOOD fishing for salmon this past week. Springs up to 39.4 lbs have been weighed in at the marina. Big chinook salmon have been caught in all locations from Aldridge Point to the Trap Shack. Curtis Petres caught a 39.4 lb Chinook at the Trap shack on a purple and black teaser head fished at 55’ behind a Silver Fever Hot spot flasher. Dave Tyson caught a 30 lb Chinook at Beechey Head on anchovy fished at 57’ in a green/red teaser head. The favored bait this past week was anchovy in a teaser head. The best teaser heads for anchovies were the Purple/Black, Army Truck and the Purple Haze. The best flashers have been the Super Betsey, Army Truck and the Purple Haze. Hootchies and squirts were good in White, Glo Below and Purple Haze. Cop Car, Mongoose or Green/Silver spoons have also been good for springs.
Dave tyson with a 30 lb chinook from Beechey Head
Pedder Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD most of this past week. It was slow around William Head and the entrance to the bay but a little better around Church Rock. That said, most anglers launching were running to Sooke where the fishing was better. Anchovies are the most productive bait now. The best teaser heads for anchovies were the Glow Green, Purple Haze and the Bloody Nose. The best flashers have been the Silver Fever and Super Betsey. Hootchies and squirts were good in White, Mint Tulip and Purple Haze. Kingfisher spoons in Green/White or Black/Glow and Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also worked very well for the salmon.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR on the weekend. A few halibut up to 30 lbs were weighed in, no barn doors though. Berkeley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Adam West with a 12 lb hatchery chinook from Christopher Point
Victoria Waterfront – Salmon fishing was GOOD out at Constance Bank and SLOW off the waterfront this past week. The best fishing was during the first part of the week and we did hear of a couple of 30+ lb springs caught. On the weekend, though, it was slow. Anchovies are the most productive bait now and have been working best in Green glow, Blue and Bloody Nose teaser heads have worked well. Coho Killers, Green/Glow and Army Truck spoons are working well for winter springs. Hootchies and squirts are good in Electric Chair, Cloverleaf and Glo Below. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Green/Silver Hot Spots.
There were a couple of derbies off the waterfront this past weekend. On Sunday, the Ladies did the best with Pat Turnbull winning the Trafalgar Pro Patria Legion #292 salmon derby with a 20 lb 9 oz chinook. Second place went to Arlene Smith with a 13 lb 9 oz Chinook. On Saturday, Wayne Zaccarelli won the Royal Canadian Navy Anglers Association derby with a 17 lb 3 oz Chinook. Second place went to Bob Sibbald with a 10 lb 1 oz Chinook.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week for chickens. Constance Bank was the best spot. Extra Large herring, Salmon Bellies and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Wayne Zaccarelli with his RCNAA derby winning chinook
Oak Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD on the Flats and in the Gap up to Friday last week. On the weekend it was very slow. The best fishing has been on the Flats, just east of Brodie Rock. The best bet is trolling right on bottom in 80 to 130 feet of water with squirts, Baitrix tiny strip, small anchovy or Coho Killer spoons. Good squirts are the Cloverleaf, J-79 and Electric Chair. With spoons, 3½” or 4” Gypsy, Titans, and Coyotes in Cop Car or Silver/Green colors and the Gold Star Coho Killer. Glow in the dark flashers would be the best choice for springs now.
Steve Caron with a 95 lb halibut caught in Oak Bay
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend. Steve Caron caught a 95 lb halibut on July 8th and lost a mch larger one right at the boat. Extra large herring, Salmon Bellies and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Sidney – Salmon fishing was FAIR near Sidney. The best fishing has come from Coal Island, Moresby Island and Hambley Point. In the first hour of daylight they have been as shallow as 30-40 feet, but then they head right to the bottom as the day progresses. The most abundant feed in the area is needlefish and homemade Tiny Strip is working very well for catching salmon. Other anglers have been catching springs using anchovies in Bloody Nose, Purple Haze and UV Green teaser heads. Squirts have been out producing hootchies and the hot patterns for springs are the J-79, Glow Below and Electric Chair. Mongoose Coyote spoons have also been working well.
Notable Catches – Curtis Petres caught a 39.4 lb Chinook at the Trap shack on a purple and black teaser head fished at 55’ behind a Silver Fever Hot spot flasher. Dave Tyson caught a 30 lb Chinook at Beechey Head on anchovy fished at 57’ in a green/red teaser head. Pat Turnbull won the Trafalgar Pro Patria Legion #292 salmon derby with a 20 lb 9 oz chinook. Second place went to Arlene Smith with a 13 lb 9 oz chinook. On Saturday, Wayne Zaccarelli won the Royal Canadian Navy Anglers Association derby with a 17 lb 3 oz chinook. Second place went to Bob Sibbald with a 10 lb 1 oz chinook.
Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
OVERVIEW – Trout fishing is SLOWER on most lakes in the South Island area. The water temperature is increasing and the fish are moving closer to the bottom where the temperature is cooler. If you fish the thermocline, you should have good action though. Bass fishing is VERY GOOD on most lakes.
Cowichan River – The water level on the Cowichan River is fairly low and water temperatures are warming as the summer progresses. The best fishing is now in the early morning and evening. The best flies for resident rainbow trout are usually nymphs, especially bead headed Prince and Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear nymphs. If you want to target browns, fish with minnow imitating streamers, muddlers, zonkers or wooly buggers. Also there have been complaints of spin fishermen in the fly only section of river. Keep an eye out and report any possible poachers. Remember it is fly fishing only between the trestle at Greendale road and the 70.2 mile trestle. All wild trout must be released on all streams in region 1 as well.
Local Lakes – Trout fishing is SLOWER on most lakes in the South Island area. The water temperature is increasing and the fish are moving closer to the bottom where the temperature is cooler. Many anglers are catching trout on both Powerbait, Gulp! eggs, or worms, especially while fishing from shore. Fly anglers are doing well using Wooly Buggers, Leeches or Micro Leech patterns when fishing deep. That said, there has been a lot of surface activity lately and both Caddis and mayflies are hatching on most lakes. Trollers have been doing OK with a variety of lures but we’ve heard tat the Orange Hot Shot has been good. The Rhys Davis Baitrix Trout lures and UV Mini Strip Teasers work well for larger fish too. Other good trolling lures are the Apex Trout Killers with the police car one of the best and the black with silver glitter spots taking second place. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 5 to 7 in Frog, Yellow with Red Spots or Blue/Silver. Smaller Rapalas in Rainbow Trout or Brown Trout patterns also work well. Lastly, Willow Leaf Lake trolls with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some fish. The biggest trout continue to be caught at Elk Lake with Langford Lake being your next best bet to hook into a real “lunker”. By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.
There are also lots of carp in Beaver Lake right now and anglers are having fun trying to catch them. Dough balls have been traditionally effective bait for carp.
Bass Fishing - Bass fishing is PICKING UP. Top water lures are starting to work well in the mornings and evenings. During the day, soft plastics rigged Carolina style work well and crank baits can work well tool. Langford Lake, Shawnigan Lake, Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver Lakes are the best local bass lakes. St. Mary’s Lake on Salt Spring Island is also a great lake for bass fishing. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.
Notable Catches – Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
It’s in the bag, or is it? Many a nice fish is lost because of anglers not netting the fish properly. When you net a fish, you should always lead the fish into the net headfirst. Because fish don’t swim backwards, any movement by the fish should force it deeper into the net. Don’t try to scoop the fish up from behind if you want to land the big one.
2) 145.6 lbs – Ken Emms – OakBay– Herring - April 15th
3) 144.5.4 lbs – Trevor MacDougall – OakBay– Herring - May 12th
4) 142.6 lbs – Andrew Stawicki – HaroStrait– Octopus - May 13th
5) 133.5 lbs – Andrew Stawicki – Haro Strait – Octopus – June 11th
1) 39.4 lbs – Curtis Petres – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 2nd
2) 34.8 lbs – Jason Whittaker – Beechey Head – Anchovy – June 23rd
3) 30.0 lbs – Debbie Campbell – Beechey Head – Anchovy - June 27th
4) 28.6 lbs – Duane Bertrand – Trap Shack – Anchovy - June 20th
5) 28.5 lbs – Falon Lancey – Sherringham Point – Anchovy - May 25th
Island Outfitters starts and ends the year with the free for fun and prizes Salmon and Halibut Leader Board. Simply weigh your catch in at Island Outfitters and the top five fish in each category on December 31st wins a special prize. Everybody who enters a fish gets a prize! Maybe it will be you bringing in the big one! Please let us know as early as possible about your up coming events in 2012!
See our event pages for upcoming events and like us on facebook!
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week, especially at the approaches and western end of Juan de Fuca Strait. Halibut fishing was PICKING UP as the currents slowed.
Visit our facebook page to enter our fishing picture contest and see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Port Renfrew – Fishing has been EXCELLENT for both salmon and halibut. Swiftsure Bank has been mostly limits for both salmon and halibut. The salmon on the bank have been into the thirties in size. Closer in, the salmon have been near Logan and Camper creeks. Most of the halibut from the bank are less than thirty lbs but you can get larger ones if you fish them off the humps and reefs closer to the Island.
Sooke – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week with lots of fish around. The salmon have been caught in most locations, but Otter Point to Sherringham Point seems to have produced the most and largest fish. Several springs into the mid 30’s have been caught, as well as lots of smaller ones. Quite a lot hatchery coho and sockeye have been caught as well. The cohos have been up to 7 lbs in size. Sockeyes are not available retention at this time and must be released, just as the wild coho have to be released. We also had a report of a 16 lb Atlantic salmon caught off of Secretary Island. Anchovies and small herring are catching the most fish. Bloody Nose, Glow Green and Purple Haze teaser heads. The best flasher has been the Super Betsey and Gold Fever Hot Spot. The fish will also hit hootchies, especially white ones. Other hootchies and squirts that are good are Purple Haze, Cloverleaf and Glo Below. Cop Car or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was BETTER over the weekend. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Becher Bay – It was PRETTY GOOD fishing for salmon this past week. Springs up to 39.4 lbs have been weighed in at the marina. Big chinook salmon have been caught in all locations from Aldridge Point to the Trap Shack. Curtis Petres caught a 39.4 lb Chinook at the Trap shack on a purple and black teaser head fished at 55’ behind a Silver Fever Hot spot flasher. Dave Tyson caught a 30 lb Chinook at Beechey Head on anchovy fished at 57’ in a green/red teaser head. The favored bait this past week was anchovy in a teaser head. The best teaser heads for anchovies were the Purple/Black, Army Truck and the Purple Haze. The best flashers have been the Super Betsey, Army Truck and the Purple Haze. Hootchies and squirts were good in White, Glo Below and Purple Haze. Cop Car, Mongoose or Green/Silver spoons have also been good for springs.
Dave tyson with a 30 lb chinook from Beechey HeadPedder Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD most of this past week. It was slow around William Head and the entrance to the bay but a little better around Church Rock. That said, most anglers launching were running to Sooke where the fishing was better. Anchovies are the most productive bait now. The best teaser heads for anchovies were the Glow Green, Purple Haze and the Bloody Nose. The best flashers have been the Silver Fever and Super Betsey. Hootchies and squirts were good in White, Mint Tulip and Purple Haze. Kingfisher spoons in Green/White or Black/Glow and Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also worked very well for the salmon.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR on the weekend. A few halibut up to 30 lbs were weighed in, no barn doors though. Berkeley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Adam West with a 12 lb hatchery chinook from Christopher PointVictoria Waterfront – Salmon fishing was GOOD out at Constance Bank and SLOW off the waterfront this past week. The best fishing was during the first part of the week and we did hear of a couple of 30+ lb springs caught. On the weekend, though, it was slow. Anchovies are the most productive bait now and have been working best in Green glow, Blue and Bloody Nose teaser heads have worked well. Coho Killers, Green/Glow and Army Truck spoons are working well for winter springs. Hootchies and squirts are good in Electric Chair, Cloverleaf and Glo Below. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Green/Silver Hot Spots.
There were a couple of derbies off the waterfront this past weekend. On Sunday, the Ladies did the best with Pat Turnbull winning the Trafalgar Pro Patria Legion #292 salmon derby with a 20 lb 9 oz chinook. Second place went to Arlene Smith with a 13 lb 9 oz Chinook. On Saturday, Wayne Zaccarelli won the Royal Canadian Navy Anglers Association derby with a 17 lb 3 oz Chinook. Second place went to Bob Sibbald with a 10 lb 1 oz Chinook.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week for chickens. Constance Bank was the best spot. Extra Large herring, Salmon Bellies and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Wayne Zaccarelli with his RCNAA derby winning chinookOak Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD on the Flats and in the Gap up to Friday last week. On the weekend it was very slow. The best fishing has been on the Flats, just east of Brodie Rock. The best bet is trolling right on bottom in 80 to 130 feet of water with squirts, Baitrix tiny strip, small anchovy or Coho Killer spoons. Good squirts are the Cloverleaf, J-79 and Electric Chair. With spoons, 3½” or 4” Gypsy, Titans, and Coyotes in Cop Car or Silver/Green colors and the Gold Star Coho Killer. Glow in the dark flashers would be the best choice for springs now.
Steve Caron with a 95 lb halibut caught in Oak BayHalibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend. Steve Caron caught a 95 lb halibut on July 8th and lost a mch larger one right at the boat. Extra large herring, Salmon Bellies and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Sidney – Salmon fishing was FAIR near Sidney. The best fishing has come from Coal Island, Moresby Island and Hambley Point. In the first hour of daylight they have been as shallow as 30-40 feet, but then they head right to the bottom as the day progresses. The most abundant feed in the area is needlefish and homemade Tiny Strip is working very well for catching salmon. Other anglers have been catching springs using anchovies in Bloody Nose, Purple Haze and UV Green teaser heads. Squirts have been out producing hootchies and the hot patterns for springs are the J-79, Glow Below and Electric Chair. Mongoose Coyote spoons have also been working well.
Notable Catches – Curtis Petres caught a 39.4 lb Chinook at the Trap shack on a purple and black teaser head fished at 55’ behind a Silver Fever Hot spot flasher. Dave Tyson caught a 30 lb Chinook at Beechey Head on anchovy fished at 57’ in a green/red teaser head. Pat Turnbull won the Trafalgar Pro Patria Legion #292 salmon derby with a 20 lb 9 oz chinook. Second place went to Arlene Smith with a 13 lb 9 oz chinook. On Saturday, Wayne Zaccarelli won the Royal Canadian Navy Anglers Association derby with a 17 lb 3 oz chinook. Second place went to Bob Sibbald with a 10 lb 1 oz chinook.
Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FRESHWATER
OVERVIEW – Trout fishing is SLOWER on most lakes in the South Island area. The water temperature is increasing and the fish are moving closer to the bottom where the temperature is cooler. If you fish the thermocline, you should have good action though. Bass fishing is VERY GOOD on most lakes.
Cowichan River – The water level on the Cowichan River is fairly low and water temperatures are warming as the summer progresses. The best fishing is now in the early morning and evening. The best flies for resident rainbow trout are usually nymphs, especially bead headed Prince and Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear nymphs. If you want to target browns, fish with minnow imitating streamers, muddlers, zonkers or wooly buggers. Also there have been complaints of spin fishermen in the fly only section of river. Keep an eye out and report any possible poachers. Remember it is fly fishing only between the trestle at Greendale road and the 70.2 mile trestle. All wild trout must be released on all streams in region 1 as well.
Local Lakes – Trout fishing is SLOWER on most lakes in the South Island area. The water temperature is increasing and the fish are moving closer to the bottom where the temperature is cooler. Many anglers are catching trout on both Powerbait, Gulp! eggs, or worms, especially while fishing from shore. Fly anglers are doing well using Wooly Buggers, Leeches or Micro Leech patterns when fishing deep. That said, there has been a lot of surface activity lately and both Caddis and mayflies are hatching on most lakes. Trollers have been doing OK with a variety of lures but we’ve heard tat the Orange Hot Shot has been good. The Rhys Davis Baitrix Trout lures and UV Mini Strip Teasers work well for larger fish too. Other good trolling lures are the Apex Trout Killers with the police car one of the best and the black with silver glitter spots taking second place. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 5 to 7 in Frog, Yellow with Red Spots or Blue/Silver. Smaller Rapalas in Rainbow Trout or Brown Trout patterns also work well. Lastly, Willow Leaf Lake trolls with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some fish. The biggest trout continue to be caught at Elk Lake with Langford Lake being your next best bet to hook into a real “lunker”. By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.
There are also lots of carp in Beaver Lake right now and anglers are having fun trying to catch them. Dough balls have been traditionally effective bait for carp.
Bass Fishing - Bass fishing is PICKING UP. Top water lures are starting to work well in the mornings and evenings. During the day, soft plastics rigged Carolina style work well and crank baits can work well tool. Langford Lake, Shawnigan Lake, Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver Lakes are the best local bass lakes. St. Mary’s Lake on Salt Spring Island is also a great lake for bass fishing. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.
Notable Catches – Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
It’s in the bag, or is it? Many a nice fish is lost because of anglers not netting the fish properly. When you net a fish, you should always lead the fish into the net headfirst. Because fish don’t swim backwards, any movement by the fish should force it deeper into the net. Don’t try to scoop the fish up from behind if you want to land the big one.
Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2012
Halibut
1) 162.3 lbs – Des Hatchard – Port Renfrew – Herring - April 15th
2) 145.6 lbs – Ken Emms – OakBay– Herring - April 15th
3) 144.5.4 lbs – Trevor MacDougall – OakBay– Herring - May 12th
4) 142.6 lbs – Andrew Stawicki – HaroStrait– Octopus - May 13th
5) 133.5 lbs – Andrew Stawicki – Haro Strait – Octopus – June 11th
Salmon
1) 39.4 lbs – Curtis Petres – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 2nd
2) 34.8 lbs – Jason Whittaker – Beechey Head – Anchovy – June 23rd
3) 30.0 lbs – Debbie Campbell – Beechey Head – Anchovy - June 27th
4) 28.6 lbs – Duane Bertrand – Trap Shack – Anchovy - June 20th
5) 28.5 lbs – Falon Lancey – Sherringham Point – Anchovy - May 25th
2012 DERBIES and EVENTS
Island Outfitters starts and ends the year with the free for fun and prizes Salmon and Halibut Leader Board. Simply weigh your catch in at Island Outfitters and the top five fish in each category on December 31st wins a special prize. Everybody who enters a fish gets a prize! Maybe it will be you bringing in the big one! Please let us know as early as possible about your up coming events in 2012!
See our event pages for upcoming events and like us on facebook!